Public Speaking.

As the school year wraps up, as does our WISE projects. The date of our presentations draws ever closer, and it has me nervous as ever. I am no good when it comes to speaking in front of an audience, and I extremely modest when it comes to my work. So, I decided to open up my large bibliography that we used for our portfolio, and found an article and some research that will help me improve on speaking.

Public Speaking-The Benefits of Improv.:

Improv allows you to connect with your audience more effectively. It shows a true personality ad character in your presentation, and allows it to be more memorable. It also allow makes your presentation seem less planned, and more natural. Overall, there are three basic components of improv.

Connect with your audience (Main points of the article):

-Include plenty of eye contact, people are more likely to listen when they feel acknowledged.

-Body language improves connection by "matching and mirroring"

-Connecting will make audience feel more involved and energized

-Confidence will keep audience focused.

-When audience members are having fun, they will remember the performance.

-Use interesting personal stories in your presentations

Source:

"Public Speaking-Benefits of Improv, Humor Power" Motivational Humor Convention Keynote Speaker. Web. 01 May. 2011. .

10 Tips for Public Speaking:

This nifty article gives 10 useful tips to help you find your confidence. The article points out that nervousness is natural, but can be easily overcome, using 10 common, essential tips.

1) Know your material: pick a topic you like, and use it to connect with everyday life.

2) Practice: Rehearse: revise and practice for a timer.

3. Know the audience: greet some of the audience members as they come in, ease awkwardness.

4. Know the room: Arrive early, and walk around the room to get a feel.

5. People want you to succeed: They're in that room for a reason.

6. Relax: Address the audience, it gives you time to calm down

7. Visualize your self giving the presentation: Imagine yourself succeeding, it will boost yourself.

8. Don't apologize for anything: The audience will probably not notice the mistake

9. Concentrate on the message: Don't get too carried away.

10. Be yourself: This presentation represents you.

Source: "Toastmasters International - 10 Tips for Public Speaking." Toastmasters International - Home. Web. 03 May 2011. .